Health Information

Guides through decision to have your child get the HPV vaccine. Explains the vaccination process and includes tips on how to talk to your child about HPV. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Guides through decision to have your child get the HPV vaccine. Explains the vaccination process and includes tips on how to talk to your child about HPV. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

HPV: Should My Child Get the Vaccine?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

HPV: Should My Child Get the Vaccine?

Your options

Have your child get the HPV (human papillomavirus)
vaccine.

Don't have your child get the HPV vaccine.

Key points to remember

The HPV vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect against the two most common types of HPV (human papillomavirus) that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts. There are other types of HPV that cause
cervical cancer and genital warts, but these four types are some of the most
common.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
many other expert groups recommend that boys and girls age 11 or 12 get the HPV
vaccine. It can be given starting at age 9. It's also recommended for those 13 to 26 years old who didn't get the vaccine when they were
younger.

The vaccine is given in a series of three shots over 6 months.
For it to work best, all three shots must be given.

The best time for
your child to get the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active. This is
because the vaccine works best before there is any chance of infection with
HPV. When the vaccine is given at this time, it can prevent almost all
infection by the types of HPV the vaccine guards against.

The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no
serious side effects. You can't get HPV from the vaccine, and it
doesn't contain mercury.

HPV stands for
human papillomavirus. You can get HPV by having sex or skin-to-skin genital contact
with someone who has the virus. Infection with HPV is common, especially among
young people. Half of all sexually active people in the United States will get
HPV.1 But most people never know they have the virus,
because it may not cause any symptoms.

There are more than 100
types of human papillomavirus. But only some types of HPV lead to cervical
cancer or genital warts.

Cervical cancer
happens when HPV causes abnormal cells in the cervix to grow out of control.
HPV can stay in your body for a long time. It can take 10 years or more for a
woman to get cancer from an HPV infection. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.

Genital warts (skin growths) may or may
not cause symptoms. Even if you treat visible warts, or if the warts go away
without treatment, the HPV infection can stay in the body's cells. It's
possible to spread genital warts to a sex partner even if you can't see the
warts.

The HPV vaccines can help protect people
from being infected with some of the most common types of the virus. The HPV vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect girls and young women against the two most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts.

Females may use either Cervarix or Gardasil. Males may use Gardasil.

The HPV vaccine is a
series of three shots given over 6 months. For the vaccine to work best, all three shots must be given.

The vaccine doesn't treat an HPV infection. But it may protect a
person against types of the HPV virus other than the one causing the
infection.

Health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine. But if
you don't have health insurance, check with your local health department,
clinic, or hospital. Girls and boys 18 or younger can get the HPV vaccine for a low cost
or even for free through the Vaccines for Children program.

It is recommended for children age 11 or 12 but can be given as early as age 9. For girls who have not already gotten the vaccine, it is recommended up to age 26. For boys who have not already gotten the shot, the vaccine is recommended up to age 21.

The best time for your child to get
the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active. This is because the vaccine
works best before there is any chance of infection with HPV. When the vaccine
is given at this time, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of
HPV the vaccine guards against.2

The vaccine can reduce the risk of your child getting genital warts or cervical cancer caused by some of the most common types of HPV infection. The HPV vaccine also protects against anogenital cancers. Research is under way to see if the vaccine can be used to prevent oral cancers also.3

The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no
serious side effects. You can't get
HPV from the vaccine, and it doesn't contain mercury.

The vaccine
series protects against the two or four types of HPV for at least 5 years. Studies are
under way to see how long the vaccine will last and if a booster shot is
needed. A booster shot is another dose of the vaccine
that is given after the first series of shots.

Some
people may have mild side effects such as a low-grade fever and soreness in the
arm where the shot was given. But neither lasts long. The doctor may have you stay in the office for up to 15 minutes after the shot is given, to watch for any reactions.

Some parents may worry about talking to their young child about the
HPV vaccine, because they think it means they have to have the "sex talk." But
you don't have to talk to your child about sex if you're not ready. Your
child may get other vaccines when he or she is 11 and 12, such as a meningitis
shot or a tetanus booster shot. You may want to start the HPV vaccine series
when he or she receives these other shots. You can tell your child that these
vaccines can help keep him or her healthy and prevent cancer and other illnesses later
in life.

If you do decide to talk to your child about HPV
and the vaccine, it doesn't mean you're giving your child permission to have
sex. It's a chance to teach your child about
safer sex and
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This information
will be important for when he or she is older and making choices about
sex.

Even though the HPV vaccine protects against most
cervical cancers, your daughter will need to get regular Pap tests to check for cervical cancer. This is because there are
some types of HPV that the vaccine doesn't prevent. Pap tests look for cells
that may be, or can lead to, cervical cancer. If these cells are found early
and treated, you may prevent cervical cancer. Experts recommend that women start having Pap tests at age 21.

Compare your options

Compare

What is usually involved?

What are the benefits?

What are the risks and side effects?

Have your child get
the HPV vaccine Have your child get
the HPV vaccine

Your
child gets three shots over 6 months.

The
vaccine can reduce the risk of your child getting genital warts. And it protects women from getting cervical
cancer.

Possible side effects include a low-grade fever and
soreness where the shot was given.

Don't have your child
get the HPV vaccine Don't have your child
get the HPV vaccine

You
may decide to wait until:

Your child is older before he or she gets the
HPV vaccine.

More information is available about how well the
vaccine works.

You can talk to your child about HPV and about how
he or she might prevent infection.

Your child avoids possible side effects of the
vaccine.

You don't have to take time for your child to get the
shots.

When your child becomes sexually active, he or she will be
more likely to get HPV.

If your child does get HPV, he or she will have a greater chance of
getting genital warts. And your daughter will have less protection from cervical cancer.

Personal stories

Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.

Personal stories about the HPV vaccine

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

I want my
son to be protected against HPV, but I was worried about how to talk to
him about this vaccine. I didn't want to talk to him about sex or STIs, because
he seemed too young. Then the nurse at the doctor's office said my son
needed to have other vaccines and we could start them all at the same time. I
told Lou that all of these shots would help keep him from getting sick both
now and when he is older.

Carmen, mom of 10-year-old Lou

My daughter
is away at her first year of college. We talked about safer sex before she left
for school and I trust that she will make smart choices. When I told her about
the vaccine, she told me she isn't having sex yet and doesn't want to get the
vaccine. At this point, all I can do is give her the information and hope she
gets the vaccine when she is ready.

Rhonda, mom of 19-year-old
Simone

It's just me and Owen at home. I wasn't
sure I could answer all of his questions about sex, so we are taking a sex
education class together. Talking to him about a vaccine to prevent an STI in
the future is a good way for us to start talking about safer sex.

Brad, dad of
12-year-old Owen

My daughter is young, and the HPV vaccine
is pretty new. I want her to be protected, but I decided to wait and make this decision when she is a
few years older.

Janice, mom of 9-year-old
Courtney

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have your child get the HPV vaccine

Reasons not to have your child get the HPV vaccine

From what I've heard about the vaccine, I believe it's safe for my child to get it.

I'm concerned about side effects from the vaccine.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to protect my child from getting genital warts and cervical cancer.

My child knows that getting the vaccine doesn't mean permission to have sex.

I'm worried that my child may think that it's okay to have sex because he or she got the vaccine.

More important

Equally important

More important

My child doesn't mind getting shots.

My child hates getting shots.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having my child get the HPV vaccine

NOT having my child get the HPV vaccine

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.

The best time for my child to get the HPV vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active.

TrueThat's right. The best time for your child to get the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active. This is because the vaccine works best before there is any chance of infection with HPV.

FalseSorry, that's not right. The best time for your child to get the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active. This is because the vaccine works best before there is any chance of infection with HPV.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." The best time for your child to get the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active.

2.

My child will need to get three shots of the HPV vaccine.

TrueThat's right. The HPV vaccine is a series of three shots given over 6 months. For it to work best, all three shots must be given.

FalseSorry, that's not right. The HPV vaccine is a series of three shots given over 6 months. For it to work best, all three shots must be given.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." The HPV vaccine is a series of three shots given over 6 months. For it to work best, all three shots must be given.

3.

The HPV vaccine will protect my child from getting some of the most common types of HPV.

TrueThat's right. The vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect against the two most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts.

FalseSorry, that's not right. The vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect against the two most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." The vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect against the two most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). HPV Vaccine Information For Young Women - Fact Sheet. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Vital Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (9/15/11). Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine-young-women.htm.

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

HPV: Should My Child Get the Vaccine?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Compare your options

What matters most to you?

Where are you leaning now?

What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Have your child get the HPV (human papillomavirus)
vaccine.

Don't have your child get the HPV vaccine.

Key points to remember

The HPV vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect against the two most common types of HPV (human papillomavirus) that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts. There are other types of HPV that cause
cervical cancer and genital warts, but these four types are some of the most
common.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
many other expert groups recommend that boys and girls age 11 or 12 get the HPV
vaccine. It can be given starting at age 9. It's also recommended for those 13 to 26 years old who didn't get the vaccine when they were
younger.

The vaccine is given in a series of three shots over 6 months.
For it to work best, all three shots must be given.

The best time for
your child to get the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active. This is
because the vaccine works best before there is any chance of infection with
HPV. When the vaccine is given at this time, it can prevent almost all
infection by the types of HPV the vaccine guards against.

The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no
serious side effects. You can't get HPV from the vaccine, and it
doesn't contain mercury.

FAQs

How do you get HPV?

HPV stands for
human papillomavirus. You can get HPV by having sex or skin-to-skin genital contact
with someone who has the virus. Infection with HPV is common, especially among
young people. Half of all sexually active people in the United States will get
HPV.1 But most people never know they have the virus,
because it may not cause any symptoms.

There are more than 100
types of human papillomavirus. But only some types of HPV lead to cervical
cancer or genital warts.

Cervical cancer
happens when HPV causes abnormal cells in the cervix to grow out of control.
HPV can stay in your body for a long time. It can take 10 years or more for a
woman to get cancer from an HPV infection. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.

Genital warts (skin growths) may or may
not cause symptoms. Even if you treat visible warts, or if the warts go away
without treatment, the HPV infection can stay in the body's cells. It's
possible to spread genital warts to a sex partner even if you can't see the
warts.

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccines can help protect people
from being infected with some of the most common types of the virus. The HPV vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect girls and young women against the two most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts.

Females may use either Cervarix or Gardasil. Males may use Gardasil.

The HPV vaccine is a
series of three shots given over 6 months. For the vaccine to work best, all three shots must be given.

The vaccine doesn't treat an HPV infection. But it may protect a
person against types of the HPV virus other than the one causing the
infection.

Health insurance may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine. But if
you don't have health insurance, check with your local health department,
clinic, or hospital. Girls and boys 18 or younger can get the HPV vaccine for a low cost
or even for free through the Vaccines for Children program.

When should your child get the HPV vaccine?

It is recommended for children age 11 or 12 but can be given as early as age 9. For girls who have not already gotten the vaccine, it is recommended up to age 26. For boys who have not already gotten the shot, the vaccine is recommended up to age 21.

The best time for your child to get
the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active. This is because the vaccine
works best before there is any chance of infection with HPV. When the vaccine
is given at this time, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of
HPV the vaccine guards against.2

What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine can reduce the risk of your child getting genital warts or cervical cancer caused by some of the most common types of HPV infection. The HPV vaccine also protects against anogenital cancers. Research is under way to see if the vaccine can be used to prevent oral cancers also.3

The HPV vaccines were tested in thousands of people before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there were no
serious side effects. You can't get
HPV from the vaccine, and it doesn't contain mercury.

How long does the HPV vaccine last?

The vaccine
series protects against the two or four types of HPV for at least 5 years. Studies are
under way to see how long the vaccine will last and if a booster shot is
needed. A booster shot is another dose of the vaccine
that is given after the first series of shots.

What are the risks of the HPV vaccine?

Some
people may have mild side effects such as a low-grade fever and soreness in the
arm where the shot was given. But neither lasts long. The doctor may have you stay in the office for up to 15 minutes after the shot is given, to watch for any reactions.

How can you talk to your child about the HPV vaccine?

Some parents may worry about talking to their young child about the
HPV vaccine, because they think it means they have to have the "sex talk." But
you don't have to talk to your child about sex if you're not ready. Your
child may get other vaccines when he or she is 11 and 12, such as a meningitis
shot or a tetanus booster shot. You may want to start the HPV vaccine series
when he or she receives these other shots. You can tell your child that these
vaccines can help keep him or her healthy and prevent cancer and other illnesses later
in life.

If you do decide to talk to your child about HPV
and the vaccine, it doesn't mean you're giving your child permission to have
sex. It's a chance to teach your child about
safer sex and
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This information
will be important for when he or she is older and making choices about
sex.

Will your daughter need Pap tests after she gets the HPV vaccine?

Even though the HPV vaccine protects against most
cervical cancers, your daughter will need to get regular Pap tests to check for cervical cancer. This is because there are
some types of HPV that the vaccine doesn't prevent. Pap tests look for cells
that may be, or can lead to, cervical cancer. If these cells are found early
and treated, you may prevent cervical cancer. Experts recommend that women start having Pap tests at age 21.

2. Compare your options

Have your child get
the HPV vaccine

Don't have your child
get the HPV vaccine

What is usually involved?

Your
child gets three shots over 6 months.

You
may decide to wait until:

Your child is older before he or she gets the
HPV vaccine.

More information is available about how well the
vaccine works.

You can talk to your child about HPV and about how
he or she might prevent infection.

What are the benefits?

The
vaccine can reduce the risk of your child getting genital warts. And it protects women from getting cervical
cancer.

Your child avoids possible side effects of the
vaccine.

You don't have to take time for your child to get the
shots.

What are the risks and side effects?

Possible side effects include a low-grade fever and
soreness where the shot was given.

When your child becomes sexually active, he or she will be
more likely to get HPV.

If your child does get HPV, he or she will have a greater chance of
getting genital warts. And your daughter will have less protection from cervical cancer.

Personal stories

Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These
personal stories
may help you decide.

Personal stories about the HPV vaccine

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"I want my son to be protected against HPV, but I was worried about how to talk to him about this vaccine. I didn't want to talk to him about sex or STIs, because he seemed too young. Then the nurse at the doctor's office said my son needed to have other vaccines and we could start them all at the same time. I told Lou that all of these shots would help keep him from getting sick both now and when he is older."

— Carmen, mom of 10-year-old Lou

"My daughter is away at her first year of college. We talked about safer sex before she left for school and I trust that she will make smart choices. When I told her about the vaccine, she told me she isn't having sex yet and doesn't want to get the vaccine. At this point, all I can do is give her the information and hope she gets the vaccine when she is ready."

— Rhonda, mom of 19-year-old
Simone

"It's just me and Owen at home. I wasn't sure I could answer all of his questions about sex, so we are taking a sex education class together. Talking to him about a vaccine to prevent an STI in the future is a good way for us to start talking about safer sex."

— Brad, dad of
12-year-old Owen

"My daughter is young, and the HPV vaccine is pretty new. I want her to be protected, but I decided to wait and make this decision when she is a few years older."

— Janice, mom of 9-year-old
Courtney

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have your child get the HPV vaccine

Reasons not to have your child get the HPV vaccine

From what I've heard about the vaccine, I believe it's safe for my child to get it.

I'm concerned about side effects from the vaccine.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to protect my child from getting genital warts and cervical cancer.

My child knows that getting the vaccine doesn't mean permission to have sex.

I'm worried that my child may think that it's okay to have sex because he or she got the vaccine.

More important

Equally important

More important

My child doesn't mind getting shots.

My child hates getting shots.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having my child get the HPV vaccine

NOT having my child get the HPV vaccine

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.
The best time for my child to get the HPV vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active.

True

False

I'm not sure

That's right. The best time for your child to get the vaccine is before he or she becomes sexually active. This is because the vaccine works best before there is any chance of infection with HPV.

2.
My child will need to get three shots of the HPV vaccine.

True

False

I'm not sure

That's right. The HPV vaccine is a series of three shots given over 6 months. For it to work best, all three shots must be given.

3.
The HPV vaccine will protect my child from getting some of the most common types of HPV.

True

False

I'm not sure

That's right. The vaccines Cervarix and Gardasil protect against the two most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against the two most common types of HPV that cause genital warts.

Decide what's next

1.
Do you understand the options available to you?

Yes

No

2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

Yes

No

3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Yes

No

Certainty

1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all

Somewhat sure

Very sure

2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

I'm ready to take action.

I want to discuss the options with others.

I want to learn more about my options.

3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). HPV Vaccine Information For Young Women - Fact Sheet. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Vital Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (9/15/11). Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine-young-women.htm.

Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). HPV Vaccine Information For Young Women - Fact Sheet. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Vital Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (9/15/11). Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine-young-women.htm.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.